I'm new to the area and new to the hobby. Any recommendations for local resources? I'd rather support local and family businesses than the big box stores. And it's always nice to "meet" your neighbors.

RAZmonkey

07-31-2011 02:46 AM

Bump. Anyone in this area?

JSA

07-31-2011 03:22 AM

I'm in Tallahassee. Not exactly the Jacksonville area. I posted recently with a similar inquiry and didn't get any responses either.

There's got to be more going on in Jax than in Tallahassee, cuz here there's pretty much nothing.

Julia

RAZmonkey

07-31-2011 12:19 PM

This area seems pretty sleepy too. Nice to "meet" you.

Tony F

07-31-2011 01:04 PM

Hi, I'm in Lake City and your right, there ain't much.

There is a place US 1 on the south end of St Augustine, Pet World, I wasn't impressed. Deals in fish and birds.

Jolly's Reef Shack in Jacksonville. Family owned an operated, nice folks, specialize in fish both fresh and salt. Fairly good selection.

Aquatropics in Gainesville, go for equipment but not for advice.

Aqua Mart on US 1 in Titusville, fish only, real nice fella, into the hobby, nice place with nice selection of some quality stuff. Unfortunately, 3 1/2 hr trip from Lake City. I have family in Titusville, so I stop by when I'm down there.

That's about all I've found, so If you don't like to travel your stuck with the chain stores! The opinions expressed are mine based on my visits and experiences.

RAZmonkey

08-02-2011 12:29 AM

I'll have to check out that place in Jax. Thanks!

JSA

08-02-2011 03:57 AM

Hey, nice to meet you both!

I have to agree with Tony on Aquatropics - the only one on his list that I've visited. Although, advice aside, I picked up some interesting plants there, and they had much better selection of fish than anyplace in Tallahassee.

In Tally, I like the PetCo fish dept. over the other choices, if only because their plants are not crawling with snails, and the sales people I've talked with actually keep aquariums at home. Jack there told me they will other less common fish. Since their shipment will include at least 6, the customer can choose which ones or none to buy. No shipping charges and if you don't like them, don't buy them. I'm thinking of getting some dwarf cichlids, but have been reluctant to do mail order, so this is sounding good.
Don't know if all PetCos do that though.

Julia

drsyn67

07-03-2012 04:25 AM

Hi Raz - I know this is me responding to your old post from last year, but here in Jacksonville Jolly's on the Westside is decent... they get in some okay plants and nice fish (FW and Salt). On the Northside, Pet Creations on North Main (just south of 9A and Main Street) has really good plants and used to have an amazing planted tank guru that worked there (sadly, he passed away). They still get in nice plants, but the fish selection for FW has dropped off. It is worth checking out, though. I was at AquaTropics yesterday and had a really good experience there. The guys I talked to knew their stuff and the Display Tank at the entrance (FW planted) is amazing. Really, really nice selection of plants... I mean - ALOT. I've been ordering from AZ Gardens for a while and was really happy with Aquatropics selection.

drsyn67

07-04-2012 03:25 PM

Hmmm.... just visited Pet Creations and Jolly's both yesterday. Pet Creations is practically a ghost town of supplies and plants - so skip it if you read this post. Jolly's has a lot of bad online reviews, but I have not had any bad experiences there. Plants are okay - supplies are decent.

thelyzardiam

02-04-2013 08:11 AM

I work at PetSupermarket on University most Thursdays, Friday and Saturday evenings. I just got back into my planted tank and if you ever have any questions, feel free to swing by and ask. We can also order plants for you specially if it is on our list. I'm always looking for people to talk to about planted tanks. Ask for Lyzette.

drewsuf82

02-04-2013 02:05 PM

Welcome! If you get to the Tampa side of the state Marine Warehouse is pretty good.

If you can't find anything or don't feel like driving, I have have done a lot of business on here with no issues at all

Oceangirl

02-07-2013 12:55 AM

I am in Jacksonville!! Brand new to Planted tank!!
There is
Petland on Hodges
Ocean Reef-you have to know what your doing.
I have heard there is a good store in St. Augustine and that is the place to get Fresh Water fish. But I don't know any names. Looking for some though .

gSTiTcH

02-21-2013 08:02 PM

Hi! Also new to the site, but have been trolling and feeding off of the various threads for months.

I like jolly's, although you have to be mindful of the pricing. I'm still kinda in a 'DIY' state, but about to break the bank for some better aquarium gear.

Sandz

02-22-2013 03:36 PM

Jollys price gouges. Go to Exotic Aquatics. Ask for Nick (the owner) and tell him Per Anderton sent you. They are a young shop with a small space but have amazing prices on salt, a good selection of male african peacocks and are willing to special order anything for you much less than any shop in the local area.

The one good thing about jollys is that they have the selection of general FW and Plants but they see you as a number more than anything. They have a good selection of young peacocks and mbuna if you know what you are looking at (they didnt even know how to sex them). They have a decent selection of other SW fish as well.